A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Frankfort, Kentucky 

Planning a getaway to Frankfort, Kentucky? As the state's historic capital city, Frankfort offers an enchanting blend of bourbon heritage, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. Whether you're drawn to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, historic landmarks, or the natural beauty of the Bluegrass State, this comprehensive itinerary will help you experience the best things to do in Frankfort, KY.

Day 1: Historic Downtown Frankfort & Local Culture

Morning: Creative Start & Local Breakfast

Begin your day at Kentucky Coffeetree Café (235 W Broadway) with their famous bourbon pecan pancakes or locally-sourced breakfast sandwich. Then head to Vibrant Clay Ceramics Studio (108 Bridge Street) in downtown Frankfort for a hands-on pottery experience. Choose from walk-in pottery painting ($25-45 per piece) or reserve a spot in their wheel-throwing workshop ($65 per person) to create your own Kentucky-inspired souvenir.

Afternoon: Historic District Exploration

Immerse yourself in Kentucky's rich history at these downtown Frankfort landmarks:

• Tour the Old State Capitol (300 W Broadway) - This Greek Revival masterpiece offers guided tours every hour ($7 adults, $3 children)

• Visit the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History (100 W Broadway) to explore interactive exhibits about Kentucky's past ($8 admission)

• Browse Poor Richard's Books (233 W Broadway), a historic bookstore housed in a Victorian-era building

• Shop at Completely Kentucky (237 W Broadway) for authentic Kentucky-made crafts and artisanal products

For lunch, enjoy Southern comfort food at Buddy's Pizza (212 W Broadway), famous for their Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich and bourbon-glazed wings.

Evening: Downtown Dining & Entertainment

Have dinner at Serafini Restaurant (243 W Broadway), housed in a beautifully restored 1875 building. Their locally-sourced menu features Kentucky favorites like bourbon-brined pork chops and blackened catfish. During summer months, catch live bluegrass music at the Ward Oates Amphitheater (East Main Street) during their "Frankfort Summer Concert Series."

Day 2: Nature, Bourbon & Kentucky Heritage

Morning: Outdoor Adventure

Start early at Cove Spring Park (100 Cove Spring Road), one of the best hiking trails in Frankfort, KY. The park features:

• 240 acres of preserved natural area

• 6 distinct hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate

• The stunning Penitentiary Branch Falls

• Historic remnants of a 19th-century water pumping station

• Bird watching opportunities (over 100 species documented)

Pro tip: Take the Overlook Trail for spectacular views of downtown Frankfort and the Kentucky River.

Afternoon: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experience

Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery (113 Great Buffalo Trace), America's oldest continuously operating distillery. Book the "Trace Tour" (free, 1 hour) or upgrade to the "National Historic Landmark Tour" ($25, 90 minutes) to explore:

• Historic aging warehouses

• The world's smallest bonded warehouse

• E.H. Taylor, Jr. home site

• Complimentary bourbon tasting

For bourbon enthusiasts, add Castle & Key Distillery (4445 McCracken Pike) to your itinerary. This restored 1887 distillery offers botanical gin and vodka tastings in addition to bourbon.

Evening: Riverside Dining

Experience contemporary Southern cuisine at Limewater (318 Washington St), a new addition to Frankfort's dining scene located in the historic district. Their innovative menu features locally-sourced ingredients with dishes like bourbon-braised short ribs and Kentucky silver carp, complemented by craft cocktails and an extensive bourbon selection.

Day 3: Horse Country & Craft Beer

Morning: Kentucky Horse Culture

Drive to Keeneland Race Course (4201 Versailles Road, Lexington - 30 minutes from Frankfort) for:

• Morning workouts viewing (free, 6-10 AM)

• Breakfast at the Track Kitchen

• Behind-the-scenes tours ($20, reservation required)

• Racing events (April and October)

Afternoon: Farm Brewery Experience

Spend your afternoon at West Sixth Farm (4495 Leestown Road), where Kentucky craft beer meets sustainable agriculture. Features include:

• Working hop yard and fruit orchards

• Rotating selection of craft beers

• Food trucks on weekends

• Walking trails through the 120-acre farm

• Seasonal events like sunset yoga and farm-to-table dinners

Evening: Final Night Local Flavors

Complete your Frankfort experience at Bourbon on Main (103 W Main Street), offering:

• Over 150 bourbon selections

• Farm-to-table small plates

• Riverside patio dining

• Live local music on weekends

Planning Your Frankfort, KY Visit

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May): Perfect weather, racing season at Keeneland

• Fall (September-October): Fall foliage, bourbon festivals

• Summer (June-August): Outdoor concerts, farmers markets

• Winter (December-February): Less crowded, holiday events

Getting Around

• Downtown Frankfort is walkable

• Rideshare services available

• Free parking at most attractions

• Bourbon Trail tours available from downtown

From bourbon heritage and historic sites to outdoor adventures and farm-to-table dining, Frankfort, Kentucky offers an authentic slice of Bluegrass culture. This charming capital city provides the perfect blend of activities for a memorable long weekend getaway in Kentucky.